The New York Jets have announced the hiring of Brian Duker as their new defensive coordinator, following a tumultuous season that saw them become the first team in NFL history to complete a season without intercepting a pass. Duker, previously an assistant with the Miami Dolphins, will take over a unit that struggled significantly in 2025. Aaron Glenn, the head coach, is expected to assume playcalling duties himself, marking a shift from his previous hands-off approach.
Duker, 36, was not among the initial candidates for the role. His interview, which took place virtually on Tuesday, came after the Jets had already considered nine known candidates, including Wink Martindale, who was viewed as a frontrunner following a second in-person interview. Duker’s connection with Glenn, stemming from their time together on Dan Campbell’s coaching staff with the Detroit Lions from 2021 to 2023, played a crucial role in his appointment.
During his tenure in Detroit, Duker progressed from a defensive assistant to safeties coach and ultimately served as the defensive backs coach. He spent the last two seasons as the Dolphins’ passing game coordinator and secondary coach. Glenn expressed confidence in Duker’s abilities, stating, “During our time in Detroit, Brian consistently demonstrated a high football acumen and an aggressive approach to defense. I’m confident that his energy and knowledge of the game will help elevate our players and push this team forward.”
This hiring is particularly important for Glenn, who faced criticism after leading the Jets to a disappointing 3-14 record in his first season, with one of the worst defenses in franchise history. He has already dismissed nine coaches, including offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand. The Jets are also reportedly considering Lunda Wells, the Dallas Cowboys tight ends coach, for a position on the coaching staff, as well as Frank Reich, a former head coach for the Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts.
Glenn had previously aimed to adopt a more collaborative approach, allowing his coordinators to manage playcalling. However, he left open the possibility of taking on that responsibility himself as he evaluates the team’s needs going into the next season. “Compatibility is just as important as coaching ability,” he noted.
Duker is stepping into a challenging situation as the Jets embark on a significant rebuild. The team finished near the bottom in several key statistical categories in 2025, ranking 31st in scoring, 25th in total yards, 30th in sack rate, and 30th in expected points added. They managed to generate only four turnovers, which is an all-time low for the league.
This decline was particularly notable for a team that had boasted a top-four defense in terms of yards allowed from 2022 to 2024. In 2022, the Jets achieved their best performance in over a decade, ranking in the top four for both yards and scoring. Their current roster includes nine of their top thirteen snap leaders under contract for 2026, but the actual talent level on the team raises concerns.
As the Jets look to the future, they face significant gaps in key areas, including safety, linebacker, cornerback, and depth on the defensive line. Their most promising players, edge rushers Will McDonald IV and Jermaine Johnson, are also coming off disappointing seasons, further complicating the rebuilding efforts. As Duker takes the reins, the focus will be on revitalizing a struggling defense and restoring the Jets to their former competitive stature in the league.
